The Anime Film and Manga Version Thoughts: Baron: Cat Returns

Synopsis

This is the story of Haru, a simple high school girl who goes through her normal issues like being late for school and dealing with an unrequited crush. However, upon impulsively saving a cat from a truck her life heads for a change. For the cat that she had saved was no ordinary cat but rather the Prince of the Cat Kingdom. As an expression of gratitude the cat king gives a variety of gifts and in the end she inadvertently agrees to give her hand in marriage to the Prince. To escape this issue she ends up listening to a mysterious voice and seeks out the Baron at the Cat Bureau…

Anime Thoughts

When looking at the film as a whole you cannot help but think of it as some sort of whimsical fairy tale. From the way its story was set up to fact it told of a Kingdom of Cats; just the general layout of the story leaves much fictional impression. As always the art of the film held strong along with the animation and the overall design of the film as well. The way that certain scene locations were shown in the film made a lot of moments seem bigger than they actually were and thus making certain areas shine.

The characters of the story are what really made the film shine though as it gave a solid development to Haru. While she didn’t start off as the strongest of heroes, he development in the third act of the film made up for that. As for the other characters, they too have their solid moments and unique designs. With the Baron, his design was good and for the most part hte presentation of his character was good in many ways but also showed very little on his personality.

The only real issue to be found with the work is the development of the other characters. For the most part you understand the role each one are given and what is their part in the story, but at the same time the third act was a bit on the rushed side and you end not being able to fully appreciate some of them. Still, even though it wasn’t as action packed or filled with fantasy, it gave a solid fantasy take involving cats.

Manga Thoughts

In comparison to the film work, there seems to be more of an adventure tone to be found with the work. For one thing, the setting work is a little different along with the introduction scene between Haru and Baron. Here it is given a bit more of a dramatic touch. On the ote of being dramatic, it seems that in this work, Baron’s flair for the dramatics is given a touch of comedy to story. Simply put, the plot of the story is rather the same and so is the layout, but it is the little touches that makes the manga stand out.

For one thing, there is an actual explanation for some things in the Cat Kingdom that was actually explained. The design is fairly different but still fantastical in its own way and the way that the story slips to show scenes of the other characters interacting with one another is a nice little touch for their development and exploration, especially on the part of Haru’s and Yuki’s relationship and how she is able to communicate with Haru. When looking back at the film,it would have been better if their was more to their relationship houtside of her saving her through fish biscuits.

So while it may not have the wnderful art and the whimsical touch that the film gave to it a viewers, it does have ts own charm in its action and adventure form. In some ways the manga gave more development in areas that the film could have given more thought too. But on the other hand, the manga could also use a bit of work on its design and transition work.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a work of whimsy an beautiful art, then the film is for you. But if you’re looking for a fantasy adventure work with character work and relations slipped in then the manga is the one you’re looking for. Both anime and manga have something to offer though they may differ in many ways. All it really boils down to is on what the reader/viewer is looking for to enjoy

Anime Rating: 7/10

Manga Rating: 7/10